Found python could be euthanized

A 7-foot-long Burmese python found under a car outside of a school in Pescadero is being treated at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, a spokesman for the organization said Tuesday.

The snake, which San Mateo County sheriff’s officials initially described as a red tail boa constrictor, was spotted under a car outside the Pescadero Elementary and Middle School at 620 North St. around 3:15 p.m. last Friday.

The snake, which is about 4.5 inches wide and weighs 40 pounds, was captured and turned over to the humane society, which determined it was a Burmese python, PHS/SPCA spokesman Scott Delucchi said today.

The python remains at the humane society today and has been aggressive to handlers, Delucchi said:

“It’s doing some hissing and striking at the cage it’s being held in when anyone approaches it.”

Delucchi said the aggression may stem from the snake being stressed out in its new environment, or it may have never been handled in captivity. It could also be suffering from medical problems, like a skin issue already identified by officials at the humane society.

After resolving the snake’s medical problems, the humane society will wait to hear from a possible owner of the animal. If no one comes forward, a determination will be made on whether the snake is fit to go into someone else’s home, Delucchi said.

If not, the python could go to an animal sanctuary or may have to be euthanized, he said.